A handful of swim team members and their parents were outside the YMCA protesting the dismissal of Zach Gray. Carrying signs that read “Bring back Zach,” members of the Manta Rays said they were stunned.

For two years, Gray was the head coach for more than 130 kids between the ages of 6 and 18.

Parents received an email Tuesday telling them Gray was dismissed. Gray did not respond to an email request for an interview.

Parents and team members said they didn’t understand why the YMCA fired the popular coach.

“We all are family here,” said Traci Gere, a parent. “The coaches all know each other. The parents all know each other. The kids all know each other, and we know him very well, and I, there is nothing that I could imagine that would merit this kind of a summary dismissal, which is fundamentally unfair and unjust.”

“We know it’s an upsetting situation, but it’s the result of an ongoing personnel matter, and it would be inappropriate to discuss any further,” the CEO of the YMCA of Southern Maine said.